Staying Safe at the Casino
I just read an article on Pokernews.com about a stabbing that took place at the Taj Mahal casino in
All poker players are not created equal. There are a lot of good people in poker, but for every 10 good people in the game, there is also the one bad apple that gets the attention. In addition there is a danger element to playing the game live that you just don’t have online. If a person gets mad at you online, what is the worst thing they can do? If you have some drunk or some bully gets mad at you in a live game, it’s a different story. I have been the witness to many fights while playing in different areas and have been in a couple of situations that have even required the intervention of security. I take a lot of precautions to make sure I stay out of trouble and safe, but at the same time, I realize the danger can be there.
You may ask yourself, what are some things I can do to help cut down on the risk factor. First, learn how to curb your tongue in tense situations. This goes counterintuitive for some of you No Limit players that like to badger and berate their opponents. Guess what. Not everyone is going to take your badgering as part of the game. This will get you in trouble. Some of you may not have a problem with defending yourself in a fistfight, and that is fine, but what are you going to do when you have a gun or knife pulled on you. You’re not Superman.
Next, if there is a dispute at the table, call the floor. Let the floor take the punishment from the player. That is part of their job. It helps to deflect the anger of the other person off you and onto the other because the floor has made the decision. I had a situation about 3 months ago where I was called to the table and I showed up along with another player who was called but never showed. When I arrive, this player comes up complaining how that they had been waiting for 30 minutes and the seat is there. Instead of arguing, I said, “Let’s call the floor.” He yelled for a floor and the floor told him that the seat was mine. The player didn’t like the ruling, but he went off complaining to the floor, not me.
Keep out of areas that could be problems, especially at night. There are areas of the casino where at times certain unsavory elements may frequent or hang out. Learn where they are and stay away. At night be extra wary of what’s going on. Areas that are not well lit or areas away from the main floor of the casino are defiantly not where you want to be.
Valet parking is your friend. A lot of people don’t like to valet park due to the cost or the fact they have to tip, or the fact they have to wait for their car. I personally tend to play poker late at night in casinos and I don’t want to give someone the opportunity to be lurking in the shadows or give someone the opportunity to be following me to my car. Valet in most cases is located indoors or in an area that is well supervised. I view the money I spend in valet parking as an investment in my safety.
Finally, don’t be afraid to call on security for help. That is their job. They are there to keep you safe. Casinos want their patrons to come back and give them more money. Guys, don’t let your ego get in the way. If you think there will be trouble, ask for help, especially if you’re carrying a lot of cash on you. Women, play it smart as well. Play into the security’s ego of being the big strapping protector. In a lot of cases, you will be giving them something to do other than roam around. I actually get to know the security people in the casino even if I never use them. In a lot of cases, they are one of the areas that have the least turnover. If they know you, they will also keep an eye on you.
If you take nothing else away from this article, take away the idea that you must take the proper actions to keep yourself safe. As glamorous as poker appears to be on TV, it is also filled with dangerous people and dangerous situations do arise. With proper planning, and staying alert, you can keep yourself safe and enjoy your time in the casino. Remember the tips above when you go to the casino, stay safe, and win.
Tags: Casino, Poker - General, Safety, Taj Mahal, Valet
April 9th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Very nice. One more step people could use to help keep themselves safe is an often overlooked self defense tool, mace. I know it sounds like something that only a girl should carry, but trust me, if it’s needed, it works. You can buy it almost everywhere. If someone plays alot of home games that my have some shady people, why not have it? I have been in situations where I had to use it, and one situation that if I DID have it, I would have 2 less scars…but back to the point, if you don’t feel you can handle yourself in a fist fight, or even at knife point, get some mace. I promise it is worth it (if you have to use it).